Bachelor of Digital Agriculture Degree
Lead change in regenerative agriculture and tackle global sustainability issues with our new Bachelor of Digital Agriculture degree.
With a focus on leadership and management, this four-year program explores solutions to real-world problems using digital agriculture technologies and practices that are centered on sustainability, including social, economic, and environmental impacts.
Through a combination of classroom, project-based and work-integrated learning, you will gain foundational knowledge and understanding of dynamic leadership, problem-solving, entrepreneurial thinking, agriculture technologies management, agronomy and data sciences. These skills and knowledge allow students to realize the social, economic, and environmental objectives of sustainability.
Tapping into the Smart Farm at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, you will receive instruction from world-class leaders in agriculture, automation and artificial intelligence within the agri-food industry.
From making ethical recommendations for crop management, animal production, soil management, pest management, and environmental stewardship, to installing, calibrating, troubleshooting and repairing precision agriculture hardware and equipment — the new Bachelor of Digital Agriculture program will prepare you for a you to lead the way in the agri-food industry upon graduation.
Work-Integrated Learning: Between your third and fourth year, you will be required to complete a four-month (400 hour) industry internship where you will gain practical experience, while developing your skills in leadership, project management and data informed decision making.
Program Intake: Fall Intake (September program start)
Applications Open: First Wednesday (9 a.m.) of October
Length of Program: Four Years
Method of Delivery: On-Campus
Credentials: Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a Bachelor Degree of Digital Agriculture.
Program Details
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For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Bachelor of Digital Agriculture Degree
Program Sequencing
Year 1-
Completed the following:
- AGF1000 - Survey of Agriculture and Food Systems in Rural and Urban Environments
- AGT1010 - Design Thinking in Agriculture Technology
- MTH1100 - Applied Math
- AGS1000 - Applied Science in Agriculture
- AGT1510 - Experiencing Technology
- AGT1050 - Practicing Exponential Foresight
- AGT1080 - Data Management and Analytics
- ATG1008 - Solving Technology Problems
- LVS1370 - Principles of Animal Agriculture
- PLS1010 - Plant Science Principles
Year 2-
Completed the following:
- ATG2001 - Agricultural Equipment Design and Function
- AGT2000 - Crop Production Technology
- ATI3006 - Project Management for Sustainable Systems
- AGS2100 - Foundations of Applied Engineering
- AGT2110 - Automation in Digital Agriculture
- AGT2100 - Internet of Things in Agriculture
- MGL2100 - Foundations in Professional Leadership and Learning
- MGL2000 - Business and Entrepreneurship Mindset
- AGT2200 - Exponential Thinking in Agriculture and Food Systems
- COM2100 - Applied Composition
Year 3- Complete all of the following
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Completed the following:
- AGT3000 - Precision Feeding and Monitoring Systems for Livestock
- BDA3999 - Preparation for Professional Internship
- AGF3000 - Agriculture Leadership in Global Food Systems
- AGT3110 - Precision Farming Systems
- COM3000 - Translating and Communicating Technology Solutions
- AGT3510 - Integrating Precision Farming Systems in the Field
- AGI3000 - Global Perspectives in Agriculture
- AGT3200 - Applied Research in Agriculture Technology
- AGT3300 - Responsible Agricultural Innovation
- AGI3150 - Indigenous Perspectives Towards Land Use and the Impacts of Colonization
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Completed the following:
- BDA4999 - Internship
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Year 4- Complete all of the following
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Completed the following:
- AGT4080 - Application of Data Management and Analytics
- AGT4000 - Disruptive Technology in Agriculture Business
- COM4000 - Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
- AGT4100 - Digital Strategy for Smart Farm Integration
- BDA4500 - Capstone Project and Program Synthesis and Reflection
- AGI4000 - Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Agriculture
- AGT4200 - Response to Future and Emerging Technologies
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Completed at least 2 of the following:
- BDA2150 - Student-led Independent Study
- AGS2150 - Social Science Fundamentals
- AMT1335 - Agribusiness Accounting
- PLS2410 - Native Plants of Alberta
- AGN1540 - Introductory Pest Management
- AGF4000 - Genetics of Commercial Crop Performance: An Introduction
- AGI1000 - Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Agriculture
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Career Opportunities
Leadership roles within the agriculture and related industries, including agriculture technology, production agriculture, agricultural machinery, self-employment, sales and service, government, information processing, environmental management, or risk management.
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
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Program Dates
Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.
Class Registration
You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Technology Recommendation
It is required that you come to Olds College with the following technology:
Students will use a variety of memory-intensive, Windows-only programs extensively in lectures and labs. A PC laptop running the latest version of the Microsoft Windows operating system (as of December 2020, Microsoft Windows 10. Mac and Chrome OS are not suitable. Minimum of 8GB RAM and 250GB (512 Gb recommended) available disk storage space is mandatory for this program. Laptops should have sufficient battery life to operate in the field for up to 2 hours.
As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:
- Go to portal.office.com
- Enter your Olds College email address and password
- Once logged in, there is a button on the right that says “Install Office Apps”
- This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer.
Materials & Supplies
The following items are required:
- Coveralls
- Rubber boots
- Steel-toed work boots (CSA approved)
- Safety glasses
There may be other necessary items (ie. cold weather attire) that may be required during your time at Olds College.
A copy of your valid driver’s license is necessary to operate Olds College equipment.
Information on required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.
Additional Skills
Basic computer skills are recommended for all and it is certainly beneficial to have some prior experience with computers before you arrive at the College. A familiarity and comfort in use of Google Docs, word processing, spreadsheet and e-mailing software will be a definite asset.
Other Important Information:
- Student Clubs: Olds College Custom Techgronomy Club, Rodeo Club, Aggies
